Arlene Gray Hightower

Nola Arlene Gray Hightower April 8, 2014 Nola Arlene Gray Hightower, 96, died Tuesday evening at her home following a short bout with pancreatic cancer. She was born in Edwina on November 2, 1917. She and her twin sister, the late Lola Allene Gray, were the youngest children of Robert Lemuel and Lola (Clevenger) Gray. Following their mother's death a few weeks later, the twins were reared by their aunt, Miss Cora Gray, and uncle Bruce Gray and his wife Flora. She received her elementary education at Edwina School and then graduated from Central High School (now Cocke County High School) in 1937. She worked for M. O. Allen Insurance Company and later, for over 30 years, was employed by McNabb's, a Newport clothing store. For over 80 years, she was a faithful member of First Christian Church. She devoted countless hours to all facets of the church's work and activities, ranging from the women's missionary society to working with the church's youth. She continued to teach her Sunday school class until two weeks ago. She and her late husband, Hugh William Hightower, were married in the church's first formal wedding. She was a past member of the Music Appreciation Club and of the W.C.T.U. She was also a devoted member of the Cocke County Senior Citizens group and in February of this year, she, along with her sister, was honored by Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority for their many years of community service. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Coralyn Rebecca Hightower Cooper, step-mother Rosa Belle (Hale) Gray, sisters Nella Cora (Gray) Burnett, Lola Allene Gray, Margarette Tulin (Gray) Wilds, Georgia Mae (Gray) Whitlock, and Lila Ruth (Gray) James, brothers Charles Otto Gray and Robert Lemuel (Bobby) Gray, Jr., and first cousin, who was like a brother, C. W. Gray. She is survived by her son, Hugh William (Buddy) Hightower, Jr. and wife Betsy of Cumming, Georgia; grandchildren Steven (Lauren) Bible of White Pine, Mike (Cindy) Bible of Benton, TN, and Gary (Erin) Hightower) of Alpharetta, GA; great-grandchildren Drew Bible of White Pine, and Lacy Fetzer, Jaelyn Bible, and Halle Ruth Gray Bible, all of Benton, TN; sister Nannie Tennessee (Gray) Hale of Newport; sister and brother-in-law Mary Lenola (Gray) and Reed Vassar of Newport; first cousin, who was like a brother, H. B. Gray, of Newport; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Marcia (Hightower) and Bill Wallin of Newport; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Graveside service will be held 2:00 pm Friday, April 11, 2014 in the Union Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm prior to the graveside service at Manes Funeral Home with Rev. Martin Stump officiating. Memorial remembrances may be made to First Christian Church, 382 East Broadway, Newport, TN 37821. Family and friends may sign online at www.manesfuneralhome.com. Manes Funeral Home in charge

Arlene Gray Hightower

November 2, 1917 - April 8, 2014